These days, working from home has become a hot topic of discussion. The initial investigation will find you browsing through a plethora of questionable opportunities, leaving most reasonable people wondering if the opportunity really exists. However, a little diligence will expose some concept pearls that can easily become your ticket to profitable self-sufficiency.
I personally worked in corporate America for 18 years, tried in the financial industry for size, worked at a software development company, did some contract work at a large company that did government work, did a favor for a friend and I managed the office, eventually working with a web development company as an SEO content writer. Some of these jobs I left by choice, others were left to me, but they all had one thing in common: I was not their top priority.
My final position, as an SEO content writer, opened my eyes to a new way to showcase my talents and hopefully generate income, while allowing me to stay home! There are several paths to follow, all interesting and hungry for quality content. The question is: how can I get better exposure for my articles? The tools are available and relatively easy to find, but the problem for many is spending their time and energy often enough to succeed.
the blessing
Keep in mind that as hard as you’ve worked for others over the course of your career, you must be willing to work at least as hard, if not harder, for yourself. You have everything to gain and you must be motivated to create financial independence for yourself and your family, however it takes a different kind of effort to work from home.
No one provides deadlines, creates your daily activity plan, or tells you what to do each day, so each person must find the best way to accomplish those things for themselves. You’ll still have deadlines and need to create activity plans, but you’ll do it yourself! Hold on to the awesomeness of being your own boss, then get going and make it happen.
Freedom is an amazing thing to capture, especially if you come with enough income to really enjoy it. Focus on that potential and stay motivated.
The course
The downside, especially if you’ve worked outside the home for most of your professional life, is the loss of adult conversation. For me, staying at home means I can help care for my six-year-old grandson, with the option of working when there’s a lull in the action. Fortunately, I can talk to the adults when everyone gets home from work, but that may not be an option for some. Moms who work from home for extra income can get a little frustrated with the ‘stay at home’ of staying at home.
To alleviate that feeling of isolation one can have working from home, scheduling outdoor activities is key. Set aside a few days each month to have lunch with friends, go out to dinner, explore the city you live in, or perhaps choose local attractions you haven’t explored and set a periodic date to visit them.
It’s definitely an adjustment. Most of us start working early in life and don’t stop until we can’t work anymore. Establishing your income through your own efforts gives you a freedom you may not have considered. Setting a schedule for yourself will help redirect your thinking, then let the freedom ring!
The promise
Regardless of the opportunity you take, if you can earn a viable income from home, you will find that you would rather work from home than work for someone else. At first, the most successful will work hard and often. Eventually, the idea is to work less and play more.
Life is too short to live paycheck to paycheck, even though most of us have done it all our lives. There’s a better way, with a happy ending to share with your family, so don’t be afraid to try it!
